Linear thermal expansion coefficient results

The Linear thermal expansion coefficient result indicate any shrinkage that has occurred in relation to temperature changes.

A Pack analysis produces the following results:

• Linear thermal expansion coefficient in first direction
• Linear thermal expansion coefficient in second direction
• Linear thermal expansion coefficient in third direction

Fiber orientation analysis produces the following results using Midplane and Dual Domain analysis technology:

• Linear thermal expansion coefficient in first direction (fiber)
• Linear thermal expansion coefficient in second direction (fiber)

Tip: Click Result > New Plot and create this result as an XY or Path plot also so that you can view the linear thermal expansion coefficient at a particular element.

Using these results

The material should expand less in the direction of flow (first principal direction) than perpendicular to the fiber orientation (second principal direction). If the molecules are aligned in the first and second principal directions, then the linear thermal expansion coefficient will be different in each principal direction. If the molecules are randomly aligned, then there will be a uniform linear thermal expansion coefficient in each principal direction.

Using Midplane or Dual Domain analysis technology, the linear thermal expansion coefficient is recorded for each laminate in the model over the duration of the analysis. Therefore, each laminate in the model will have different thermal expansion results. You can check the expansion coefficient in each laminate by animating the default contour plot, which will animate the result over the Normalized Thickness.

These results are very important when proceeding to perform a Stress analysis as the results will be used in the thermal loading calculation.

Tip: You can view the contour plot at a single laminate on the model. To do so, click Result > Plot Properties. The Plot properties dialog opens. Select the Animation tab, and from the Animate result over drop-down list, select Single dataset.